Young prodigy Luke Littler stunned the darts world, beating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to secure the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship title at London’s Alexandra Palace on January 3rd. Littler, just 17 years old, showcased his incredible talent throughout the tournament, culminating in a performance marked by precision and confidence.
The championship was filled with surprises and shocks, starting with 14 seeds tumbling out as early as the first two rounds. Former world champion and second seed Michael Smith suffered a notable defeat, losing 3-2 to Kevin Doets. This pattern of unpredictability continued as five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld was ousted by Nick Kenny, and 14th seed Gary Anderson fell to Jeffrey de Graaf, who dispatched him 3-0. The chaos reached new heights with Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall both eliminated before the third round.
Littler's triumph was underscored by several memorable moments, including standout performances by other players. Dutchman Christian Kist recorded the championship’s first nine-darter, bringing home £60,000 for the achievement, which was matched by donations to Prostate Cancer UK and to members of the audience. Kist reflected on his experience, stating, “The nine-darter was an amazing moment, hitting the double 12 felt amazing.”
Another brilliant moment arrived from Damon Heta, who managed to achieve perfection during his match, also earning £60,000 for his nine-darter but still losing to Woodhouse, who staged one of the tournament's great comebacks.
Despite the high stakes, the final was where all eyes found their focus. Littler's path to the final included memorable victories, including thrashing Stephen Bunting 6-1 with his highest average of the tournament at 105.48. Yet, it was his encounter with Van Gerwen, who had previously built his legacy by winning PDC titles, which truly defined Littler's championship experience.
From the outset of the final, Littler set the tone for dominance, racing to a 4-0 lead, making it clear he was not going to give his opponent many chances. Van Gerwen, battling to recover, managed to secure the fifth set with a spectacular 132 checkout but could not garner enough momentum to mount any serious chase.
Littler eventually secured victory, trembling with excitement after pinning the winning double, and reflecting, “Since the winning double went in, I just can’t believe it.” His reaction indicated the magnitude of what he had achieved, especially after placing second the previous year to Luke Humphries.
Littler's win not only marks him as the youngest ever PDC World Champion but also places him firmly on the radar within professional darts. His ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Winning his first senior title at just 14, he found national attention during his PDC major event debut at the UK Open, where his exceptional performances suggested this championship might be just the beginning.
After his win over Van Gerwen, Littler acknowledged the impact his opponent has had on the sport. He paid tribute by stating, “We all know what Michael has done for the sport.” Meanwhile, Van Gerwen, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship, noted, “I sometimes say every 17 years, a star is born, and Luke is one of them,” as he graciously accepted the defeat.
The final showdown represented more than just the end of the championship; it indicated the shifting dynamics within darts, as Littler rose to the occasion, becoming world number two, overtaking Van Gerwen. While the competition might have concluded, 2025 is already brimming with promise for these competitors, hinting at exciting encounters on the European Tour.
Littler's victory at Alexandra Palace adds another chapter to the rich history of the PDC World Darts Championship. Fans and players alike can look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of the sport through rising talents like Littler and established names like Van Gerwen, who remain determined to reclaim their standing at the top.